How to Bet on Football and Make Money: Strategies that Work

Football betting is one of the most popular forms of sports wagering. However, success in betting requires more than just luck — it demands a solid understanding of the different types of bets and strategies that can turn the odds in your favor. In this guide, we’ll cover essential football betting strategies and how to profit from moneyline, point spreads, and totals.

1. Moneyline Betting

A moneyline bet is the simplest form of football betting. Here, you're simply betting on which team will win the game. The odds reflect the likelihood of each team winning, with favorites typically having lower odds and underdogs offering higher payouts.

Strategy:

Back the Favorite or Bet on the Underdog: Betting on favorites can provide steady but small returns, while betting on underdogs offers the potential for higher payouts. Analyze team performance, injuries, and current form before deciding.
Hedge Your Bets: Hedge by placing smaller wagers on both the favorite and the underdog in different matches to balance potential losses.

2. Point Spread Betting

A point spread is used to level the playing field between two teams. The favorite must win by a certain margin (the spread), while the underdog can lose by that margin and still win the bet. For example, if a team is favored by -3.5 points, they must win by 4 points or more for your bet to succeed.

Strategy:

Bet Against the Public: Public opinion can often skew point spreads, leading to value opportunities for savvy bettors who go against popular sentiment.
Monitor Line Movement: Pay attention to how the point spread changes leading up to the game. If the spread moves in favor of a team, there might be inside information driving the change.
Look for Key Numbers: In football, key numbers like 3 and 7 are crucial because most games are decided by field goals or touchdowns. Bet with these margins in mind.

3. Totals (Over/Under) Betting

Totals betting involves wagering on the total number of points scored by both teams combined. The bookmaker sets a total, and you bet on whether the final score will be over or under that number.

Strategy:

Research Team Offense and Defense: Teams with strong offenses and weak defenses are likely to result in high-scoring games, making an over bet more favorable. Conversely, low-scoring teams or games with strong defenses make under bets attractive.
Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact totals. Rain, wind, or snow can lower the likelihood of a high-scoring game, favoring under bets.
Track Injuries: A key offensive or defensive player's injury can affect the total score. For example, if a team’s star quarterback is out, an under bet might be wise.

4. Parlay Betting

A parlay is when you combine multiple bets into a single wager. While parlays offer higher payouts, they’re riskier because all bets in the parlay must win for you to receive a payout.

Strategy:

Limit the Number of Bets: While it may be tempting to include several bets in a parlay, sticking to 2-3 bets increases your chances of winning.
Combine Low-Risk Bets: Choose bets with a high probability of success to reduce the overall risk. For instance, pairing a strong favorite on the moneyline with an over/under bet can offer a decent payout with reduced risk.

5. Live (In-Play) Betting

Live betting allows you to place bets while the game is in progress. This offers opportunities to capitalize on shifting momentum and odds that change based on real-time events.

Strategy:

Watch for Momentum Shifts: In football, momentum can swing rapidly. Look for opportunities to place live bets during key turning points, such as turnovers or injuries.
Take Advantage of Overreactions: Live odds may overreact to a single play. A quick touchdown or turnover may lead to favorable odds for the other team, giving you a chance to find value.

6. Bankroll Management

No matter which betting strategy you choose, proper bankroll management is essential. Set aside a fixed amount of money for your bets, and never risk more than a small percentage (typically 1-5%) of your bankroll on any single bet. This helps to mitigate losses and ensures long-term betting success.

7. Research and Stay Informed

Success in football betting requires staying informed about team news, injuries, and other relevant factors. Follow reputable sports analysts, watch team press conferences, and track injuries to make informed decisions. The more research you put into each bet, the more likely you are to identify value opportunities.

By applying these football betting strategies, you can improve your chances of making profitable wagers. Whether you're betting on the moneyline, point spreads, or totals, taking a strategic approach and managing your bankroll effectively will set you up for long-term success in football betting.